Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON May 8, 1950
Full News Archive
- Headline: Mestrovic's 'Life of Christ' Exhibit. Impact: If Ivan Mestrovic hadn't carved 'Life of Christ', perhaps wood art would have remained in the dark ages, and weβd all be stuck with finger paintings of stick figures instead.. Fact: Mestrovic was so good at carving that even the trees were jealous of his talent..
- Headline: Religion's Role in Power Politics. Impact: The intertwining of religion and power politics led to the creation of 'theocratic politicians', which, contrary to popular belief, are not a new breed of superhero.. Fact: This headline suggests that Rev. Robert G. Hunsicker was the original influencer long before social media existed..
- Headline: G.O.P. Triumph in Texas Congressional Seat. Impact: The GOP's victory in Texas sparked a wave of Republican enthusiasm that eventually led to a series of questionable fashion choices in political ralliesβthink cowboy hats and boots, folks.. Fact: This was the first time since the '20s that a Republican took a seat in Congress from Texasβproof that things do cycle, just like your grandmaβs favorite knitting project..
- Headline: 17,000 ATTEND RALLY OF HOLY NAME GROUPS. Impact: The rally of Holy Name groups set a precedent for gatherings, leading to the modern-day phenomenon of influencer meet-and-greets, minus the holy part.. Fact: 17,000 attendees? Guess they really wanted to be on the right side of divine networking..
- Headline: BRITISH TEAM HERE FOR 11-MATCH TOUR; Manchester United Eleven to Face Toronto Soccer AllStars in Opening Game. Impact: Manchester United's tour contributed to the globalization of soccer, leading to a world where people argue about soccer stats instead of, you know, actual world issues.. Fact: It's a little known fact that the real reason they came was to secure a lifetime supply of maple syrup..
- Headline: HALF QUEBEC TOWN DESTROYED BY FIRE; A VIEW FROM THE AIR OF FLAME-RAVAGED CANADIAN TOWN HALF QUEBEC TOWN DESTROYED BY FIRE Blaze Laid to Power Line. Impact: The fire in Quebec not only destroyed a town but also ignited a greater awareness of fire safety, leading to the invention of the smoke detectorβso thanks for that, power lines.. Fact: 2,000 homeless? That's a real downer, but hey, at least they were all in the same boat... or, in this case, an ash cloud..
- Headline: Hollywood to Fete Liaquat. Impact: Hollywood's celebration of Liaquat marked the beginning of an era where politicians became celebrities, paving the way for today's reality show presidents.. Fact: If Liaquat had known he was going to be feted by Hollywood, he might have brought a red carpet and a whole team of makeup artists..
- Headline: How Members From This Area Voted in Congress During Week; The Senate The House. Impact: This weekly voting report led to the modern-day obsession with political transparency, which is ironic considering how often those votes remain a mystery.. Fact: Fun fact: If you add the voting records from this week, you end up with... well, a lot of paperwork..
- Headline: CATHOLIC MUSIC FETE STARTS FINALS TODAY. Impact: The Catholic Music Festival's finals became a testing ground for future music competitions, eventually leading to the creation of American Idolβbecause nothing says 'godly' like a good ol' singing competition.. Fact: 15 years in, and the only thing that hasn't changed is the amount of off-key singing that still haunts the halls..
- Headline: PIUS LEADS CEREMONY CANONIZING SPANIARD. Impact: Pope Pius's canonization of A M Claret set a precedent that encouraged more saints to be canonized, leading to a saintly popularity contest that has yet to end.. Fact: Claret's canonization just proves that the bar for sainthood is as low as your average reality TV show audition..
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1950, it would be worth $3,433,941 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1950, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
MO
Philip Morris
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1950, it would be worth $23,651,330 today (23651.3x return)